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RACE WEEK FLOW

We are excited to be back on Vancouver Island to show you more of what the island has to offer. Here is what the 2025 Race Week will look like:

  • Stages 1-3: We start in the pastoral Cowichan Valley with our first Basecamp at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds.
  • Stage 4: Will take place in Nanaimo, 40mins north of the Cowichan Valley. This will mark the half-way point for the week, and also for our travels up the Island.
  • Stage 5: Our first day in Cumberland, where we’ll set up camp for the following 4 nights.
  • Stage 6: Will feature a day trip to the lush forests of Campbell River, just 35mins north of Cumberland.
  • Stage 7: The Grand Finale back in Cumberland.
2025 BCBR basecamp map of Vancouver Island

BASECAMP OPTIONS

Your race entry fee includes everything on course to support you, including aid stations, on-course tech support, finish line food, and medical support.

Other Basecamp components such as accommodation, meals, and transportation are sold separately, so you can customize your week to suit your needs or preference.

The Basecamp Experience is something that makes BC Bike Race a truly unforgettable experience. Sure, we might tell our bosses/partners/parents that we’re off on a “super serious” mountain bike adventure—full of grit and gruelling challenges. But it’s really Adult MTB Summer Camp!

Cross that finish line, grab a drink, and kick back with your newest best friends. Rub shoulders with the pros and industry insiders, snap some epic photos, and dive into tales of the day’s triumphs and tumbles. As evening falls, dinner turns into a communal fest—a chance to laugh, recharge and share the stoke of each ride.

Once you arrive on Vancouver Island you will have two options:
• Our Program
• Your Program

OUR PROGRAM

Plan your arrival in Victoria so you can be close to our Victoria Basecamp for June 30th.

⇒ Purchase the Transportation package & travel with us from town to town. Starts on June 30 from the Victoria Basecamp and finishes with a transfer on July 7th to the Comox Valley Airport

⇒ Purchase the Camping package & sleep in BCBR tents.

⇒ Purchase the VanLife package & sleep in your camper (max 26 feet) at Basecamp.

⇒ Purchase the Meal Plan.

THE BASECAMP EXPERIENCE

YOUR PROGRAM

Make your own travel arrangements to arrive at our Victoria Basecamp on June 30th for registration/check-in.

⇒ Travel in your own vehicle from town to town.

⇒ Stay in Airbnb/RV/Hotel.

⇒ Look after your own meals.

You can also choose a hybrid option where you drive yourself and take advantage of our accommodation and/or meal packages.

TRAVELLING BY AIR

We recommend flying into one of the following three airports:

  • Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
    • This the largest airport is on Vancouver Island and is about a 90 minute drive from our first basecamp.
  • Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
    • This is a regional airport is on Vancouver Island and while it’s the closest to Day 1, it will likely not have as many available flights as Victoria.
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
    • This airport is NOT on Vancouver Island – you MUST MAKE A RESERVATION and book your ferry with BCFerries ahead of time to guarantee a spot on a sailing. July 1st is a holiday in Canada and a busy weekend.

We recommend flying HOME from one of the following three airports:

  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
    • This airport is NOT on Vancouver Island – you MUST MAKE A RESERVATION and book your ferry with BCFerries ahead of time to guarantee a spot on a sailing.

TRAVELLING BY VEHICLE

To get to Vancouver Island by vehicle you have to take BCFerries, which offers two route options:

  • Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Vancouver Island)
  • Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to either Victoria or Nanaimo (Vancouver Island)

IMPORTANT: You MUST book your ferry with BCFerries ahead of time to guarantee a spot on a sailing. July 1st is a holiday in Canada and a busy weekend..

Need to rent a car? Here are some rental options:

Looking to rent an RV? Here are some rental options:

ACCOMMODATIONS

Staying in Basecamp is the way to go to get the full BCBR Experience. It’s where you’ll find camping, meal plans, wellness, daily awards, post-race fun and our famous beer garden.

The race will start in Victoria on June 30th and finish in Cumberland on July 6th. Below you can find alternate accommodation options depending on your travel plans.

BASECAMP

  • Cowichan Valley, BC June 30-July 2 (depart July 3 – move to Cumberland)
  • Cumberland Village Park – July 3-7

ISLAND ACCOMMODATIONS

Victoria

Cowichan – June 30-July 3

RV Options:

Cumberland – July 3-7

RV Options: